Healthy Chicken Soup for a Quick Dinner

Chicken soup has been a comfort food for generations, often associated with nourishment and healing during illnesses or simply as an afternoon meal that warms your soul on chilly days. This nutritious recipe provides you with a light yet satisfying option to enjoy whenever the craving arises.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast
• 2 cups of carrots, finely chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of diced potatoes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once heated, add the chicken breast and cook until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for another few minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Once all vegetables are slightly cooked, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until the carrots and potatoes are tender enough to mash easily with a fork. This step should take about 15-20 minutes depending on your preference for how soft you want your vegetables.

While the soup is cooking, shred or slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces using two forks or knife. Once the main ingredients have been simmering together for around 15-20 minutes, add back in the shredded chicken to heat through and combine with all other elements. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

If you desire a more robust flavor, adding some lemon juice before serving can enhance the overall taste of your soup. Garnish it with fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness if desired but is not necessary for enjoying this delicious dish.

Benefits

Chicken soup offers numerous health benefits due to its rich composition of vitamins and minerals, as well as beneficial compounds like lycopene found in tomatoes (if using canned broth). It helps boost your immune system while providing essential nutrients needed during recovery from minor illnesses or just everyday good health maintenance.

• Supports Immunity: High in vitamin C which plays a critical role in supporting the body's defense against infections and viruses.
• Bones & Muscles: Contains protein which is vital for maintaining strong bones, muscles, and tissues throughout one’s lifespan.
• Vital Minerals: Provides important minerals such as potassium that aid in various bodily functions including regulating blood pressure.

Tips & Variations

To make this dish more interesting or cater to different dietary preferences, consider trying these variations:

1. Add some green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking time for added nutrition and color.
2. For those who prefer their meals spicier, incorporate some chili flakes during the final stages before serving.

This versatile recipe allows you to experiment with flavors based on your taste buds while ensuring every spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of comfort and goodness. Whether it's served as part of your meal routine or shared with friends over an evening chat, this healthy chicken soup promises delicious satisfaction for all.